"When not writing, I teach in schools and at a museum. My work has included running Forest School in outdoor environments such as woodland, to enhance children's learning and emotional well-being. I'm passionate about wildlife and protecting habitats, and tolerance and respect are really important qualities to me. I enjoy inspiring children's interest in nature and have often used stories to facilitate this. I think the landscape through different seasons and weathers is fantastic. I like my garden to be somewhat wild and messy, more than my twin teenage daughters and husband do! I love experimenting with natural materials and traditional methods, such as making rope and using old farm technology. My idea of a good time varies from going to the cinema and birdwatching, to being with family and friends (including woolly, hairy and feathered ones!) and singing to a cow while I groom her. I see my brain as spaghetti because ideas constantly slide around inside my head in no particular order."